Fans of the legendary Defender will be excited to hear that a new EU5 2.2-litre diesel engine will replace the EU4 2.4-litre diesel for 2011, bringing new levels of performance and refinement to the Defender for 2012.  The smaller capacity engine makes this the cleanest Land Rover Defender ever produced; yet, it is still able to deliver the same power, torque and economy – which is great news for everyone. And in EU5 markets, the new engine comes with a diesel particulate filter (DPF) which also provides the lowest possible levels of regulated emissions.

Performance remains similar too, with a 0-60mph time of 14.7 seconds as before, and an increase in top speed to 90mph compared to 82mph before. The GFT MT 82 six-speed gearbox has also been retained for 2012 which means the Defender still offers that excellent ratio spread, high top gear for cruising and enhanced low-speed crawl capability.

The Defender’s specification has also been given a bit of a spruce up for 2012. In addition to the existing ‘S’ and ‘SE’ trim levels, there are now five new option packs, new alloy wheels, ventilated discs on all variants and a number of detail improvements to the interior. And for those fleet users who need effective control of fuel costs there are also three speed-limiting options.

“The substantial improvements to the Defender in 2007 transformed its on-road refinement and comfort whilst extending its legendary capability off-road for which Defender is synonymous. With the introduction of the new 2.2-litre diesel engine and five option packs, the Defender for 2012 now offers greater customer choice than ever before,” said John Edwards, Land Rover Global Brand Director.

Since 1948 the Defender has worked tirelessly to gain a reputation as the most rugged and versatile off-road vehicle in the world. It has a very loyal, and increasing, fan base. Since 2002, it has consistently sold an average of 25,000 units a year worldwide. Retail and utility customers, armed forces and NGOs in over 100 countries believe that the Defender’s off-road ability, durability and towing capability make it unbeatable.

Such characteristics mean that the Defender has played an invaluable role in Land Rover and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societie’s (IFRC) global initiative, ‘Reaching Vulnerable People around the World’. The initiative is designed to carry out life-saving work by reaching vulnerable people in crisis in some of the hardest to reach communities all over our planet. A job the Defender was clearly made for.

Find out more about the new 2012 Land Rover Defender, or visit Land Rover Our Planet to read about some of this legendary vehicle’s life-saving work.

Written by LandRover Our Planet